Overview: Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement Findings & Investment in Saugerties
Winston Farm has submitted a Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement outlining development potential for the property. This document was required by the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act. The document, which consists of numerous studies, includes information on development concepts and benefits:
- Winston Farm’s residential, commercial, tourism and hospitality uses will generate $62 million in annual economic impact after full build-out, which is expected to take many years. This impact will generate thousands of jobs and substantial, consistent tax revenue for the town, Saugerties school district and fire district year after year – helping keep taxes down and funding municipal services Saugerties residents rely on each day. The $62 million includes:
- $55,088,971 from new jobs’ worker earnings.
- $4,465,383 from new tourism worker earnings.
- $3,099,563 in spending by new households.
- $457,469,231 in construction spending.
- $13,851,750 in new tourism spending from 125,925 new visitors each year.
- Winston Farm will be self-sufficient regarding water.
- Winston Farm will provide a range of traffic solutions.
- Planning concepts prioritize protecting the property’s rich history, including its mansion, wetlands, aquifers, habitat, waterways and other sensitive environmental resources.
Sponsor’s Preferred Plan of Development
- Housing: A mix of single-family homes on various lot sizes, townhouses and condominium or apartment units. The housing:
- Helps address the persistent housing shortage in Ulster County and the Hudson Valley and includes workforce and inclusionary housing.
- Will attract new residents, encourage higher earning potential and invigorate a community where nearly 60% of housing was built over 50 years ago.
- Retail space: 250,000 square feet.
- Boutique hotel: 150 rooms.
- Conference center: 250 hotel rooms.
- Performance venue: Enclosed, not open-air.
- Lab or light-industrial space: 250,000 square feet.
- Campground: 100 cabins.
Preservation of Substantial Open Space
Winston Farm is committed to preserving a substantial amount of the property in its natural, undeveloped state. This open space will honor the property’s rich history, natural gifts and beauty through parks and trails for public enjoyment. There are no plans to develop the full 840-acre property, and development at Winston Farm can mean preserving other locations from development.
This approach is at the heart of the project’s vision.
This positive and imaginative approach will amplify local interests and culture, and reflect the area’s sense of sustainability. These hallmarks are fundamental to the project’s vision and success.
Winston Farm Will Provide Its Own Water
Comprehensive testing of two wells shows that Winston Farm can provide its own water for all potential uses – and not require connection to municipal water sources. This is an important solution regarding the property’s development.
These wells yielded a combined 270 gallons per minute, according to tests by LaBella Associates. There was no evidence of water pulled from neighboring water sources/wells.
In addition, water quality was deemed satisfactory and/or readily treatable. No contamination, including by PFAS compounds, was detected.
